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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Microplanes are AWESOME!







Kitchen Tools Reviews
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This is one of those tools that, once you've used it for a while, you'll wonder how you lived without it. These are a few of the different kinds of microplanes I use; each is best for different applications.

Microplane

This is the basic, the standard, and the most versatile of the microplanes. A long, narrow blade, a molded plastic handle, and hundreds of razor-sharp teeth for grating. This style is best for citrus, as it takes off only the zest - the colored part of citrus rind that is loaded with essential oils - and leaves the bitter pith behind. This superfine device is also excellent for grating garlic and ginger.

Although these are dishwasher-safe, you can use a sponge if you wipe in the non-grating direction. You can also use a sponge or a brush on the inside, in both directions. A good shot of hot water and even ginger will come out of them.

Microplane

I'd turn to this size for grating chocolate for garnishes, and for parmesan as a general pasta topping or ingredient. (the wide blade, below, makes for more dramatic garnishing curls of parmesan-type cheeses)

Microplane

This is the papa-bear of this trio. this makes much thinner ribbons of shreds than that standard box-grater that we all chewed up our knuckles on before Microplanes came around. Thinner shreds mean faster melting of cheeses and

I say papa-bear, because there are still grand-daddies! they make ones with even larger openings, but I've never found a use for them, really. Much bigger than this, you might as well pull out your vegetable peeler or a knife!

The generous 2-1/2-by-5-inch cutting surface of Microplane’s durable extra course grater provides ample room for rapidly grating foods. Appropriate for soft or hard cheeses, create Mozzarella-covered pizza or Parmesan garnish from a single tool. Keeping fingers at a safe distance, hold shaver at an angle and run food in a downward motion over the grating plane. 35 razor-sharp blades, staggered on the arched cutting surface, cut effortlessly and resist clogging for continuous grating. A band of rubber encircling the bottom edge prevents slipping and provides stability. The stainless-steel handle features rounded edges for a comfortable hold, and finishes with a small metal loop to simplify storage. Measuring 13-1/2 by 3 by 1 inches. To protect against dulling, cover cutting surface with accompanying plastic blade guard when not in use.

Here's direct links for these products: microplane standard:      medium wide      
extra coarse

Keywords:Microplane, Grater, Essential Utensil!